oblige

Definition

To constrain someone by force or by social, moral or legal means.

Etymology

From Middle English obligen, from Old French obligier, obliger, from Latin obligō, obligāre, from ob- + ligō. Doublet of obligate, taken straight from Latin.

Example Sentences

• "I am obliged to report to the police station every week."
• "Tho' he was some time awake before me, yet did he not offer to disturb a repose he had given me so much occasion for; but on my first stirring, which was not till past ten o'clock, I was oblig'd to endure one more trial of his manhood."
• "He obliged me by not parking his car in the drive."

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